SB 558
Relating to school bus safety violations by vehicle operators
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, titled the ‘Protect Our Children at the Bus Stop Act,’ aims to increase safety around school buses in West Virginia. It establishes stricter penalties for drivers who pass stopped school buses with activated stop arms and red warning lights, including a new aggravated offense of reckless driving and mandatory minimum jail sentences. The bill also introduces civil stop-arm camera enforcement and allows for license plate suspension for repeat violations, while requiring driver education and insurance notification.
Key provisions
- Increases penalties for passing a stopped school bus, including a new aggravated offense of reckless driving.
- Mandates minimum jail sentences for violations, with longer terms for repeat offenses.
- Authorizes civil stop-arm camera enforcement with liability for registered vehicle owners.
- Requires completion of a driver education safety course for convicted offenders.
- Provides for automatic license plate suspension for repeat civil violations.
- Establishes felony thresholds for repeat aggravated offenses.
- Requires reporting to the Legislature on enforcement activity and revenue collected.
- Mandates installation of forward-facing and rear-facing cameras on new school buses.
Who is affected
- School Bus Drivers
- Vehicle Operators
- School Children
- Motor Vehicle Insurers
- Registered Vehicle Owners
Notable changes
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